The design of a boat is a process that turns a simple aluminum flat-bottom into a complete tool for fishing or family recreation. steering-consoleAluminum is the ideal material for this design, because it is lightweight, durable and rotting-free, unlike plywood or wood.
Boat owners often face the dilemma of buying a finished product or making it themselves. Aluminum alloys AMG series allows you to create complex shapes that can withstand the shocks of waves and constant contact with water. A properly designed control panel makes maneuvering much easier, especially in high winds or on the current, when both hands should be free to moor or work with the anchor.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of creating and installing the steering panel. corrosion resistance, features of installation gas-rope And the right way to do this is to extend the life of your boat and make every water trip safe.
Advantages of aluminum structures over analogues
The choice of material for the wheelhouse is a fundamental decision that affects the durability of the entire assembly. Aluminum beats plastic for mechanical strength, and fiberglass for maintenance in the field. If plastic can crack from impact on a branch or on the side of a berth, the sheet metal only slightly remembers, retaining the tightness.
The metal also has excellent vibrational stabilityThe internal combustion engine creates a constant vibration that over time unravels the mounts and destroys the structure of cheap materials. The aluminum body quenches these fluctuations, protecting expensive electronics such as sonars and GPS navigation devices from premature failure.
The temperature is also important, because the metal cools and heats up faster, but because of its thermal conductivity, it doesn't create local overheating for electronic components, as it does in closed plastic volumes under the scorching sun. flight-computer in the summer.
- 🛡️ High mechanical strength and impact resistance in collision with obstacles.
- ⚖️ Minimum weight of the structure, which has a positive effect on the carrying capacity of the boat.
- 🔧 The possibility of self-repair and improvement with the help of an available tool.
- 🌊 Absolute moisture resistance and immunity to ultraviolet radiation.
However, it is worth considering that aluminum requires the right approach to assembly. Incorrect connection of dissimilar metals can lead to electrochemical corrosion. Therefore, when installing stainless steel (stainless steel) fasteners, you need to use insulating gaskets or special compositions.
Types of configurations: from simple panels to full-fledged logging
The market offers many solutions, but they can all be classified by complexity and functionality. slipboardIt's a flat sheet that's mounted on top of a transom or a side, and it's a flat sheet with cut holes for the instruments and the steering wheel.
The more difficult option is corner-consoleThis geometry provides a better view of the instrument and ergonomic position of the steering wheel's hands. The angle of inclination usually varies from 15 to 30 degrees, which allows you to comfortably operate the boat both sitting and standing.
For large aluminum boats, such as Kazanka or Obs often choose combinations with side wings, which protect the steering wheel from splashes and headwinds, and provide additional space for installing light switches, pumps and other accessories.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a console design, consider the center of gravity of the boat. Too massive cutting on the transom can cause a different at the stern and worsen the running performance of the vessel on the plane.
There are also modular systems that allow you to assemble a configuration with a "designer." You can start with a base panel and gradually add sidewalls, battery shelves, or even a small windscreen, which makes them popular among tuning enthusiasts.
Selection of metal alloy and thickness for manufacture
If you're going to make a console yourself, the first step is to buy the material. The water environment is not suitable for conventional structural steels or silumine. aluminum-magnesium alloysIt is known in Russia as AMG or AMC.
The thickness of the sheet plays a key role in the rigidity of the structure: too thin metal will play when installing heavy appliances, which will lead to breakage of the mounts. Too thick will unnecessarily weight the boat. The golden mean is considered a sheet 2-3 mm thick for panels and 4-5 mm for the power frame.
Why can't you use duraluminum (D16T)?
Duraluminium has a high strength, but very low corrosion resistance in sea and fresh water. Without special anodizing, it will quickly coat with white coating and begin to layer. For boats, it is better to use AMg5, which does not require complex protection.
When you're working with aluminum, it's important to remember that it's very good, because it has a high linear expansion coefficient, which means that when you heat it up in the sun, the size of the panel can change. If you're using other materials, you have to leave it in. thermal gaps.
| Alloy mark | Strength (MPa) | Corrosion resistance | Weldability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMG2 | 180-220 | High. | Great. |
| AMG5 | 280-320 | Very high. | Good. |
| AMZ | 120-150 | Medium | Great. |
| D16T | 450-480 | Low. | Bad. |
Argon arc welding (TIG) is the best way to connect parts, providing a sealed and durable seam that is as strong as the base metal. Bolt joints are also acceptable, but require careful sealing of each hole.
Ergonomics and steering panel drawing
Before you cut metal, you have to make a detailed drawing. Ergonomics is the science of convenience, and in a boat, it comes to the fore. The helmsman must have access to all the controls without releasing the humming wheel or taking his eyes off the water.
Standard device layout involves finding speedometer The GPS and sonar should be placed slightly lower or sideways, as they require periodic rather than constant monitoring, and the engine emergency shutdown buttons should be removed to the maximum accessible location.
When designing, consider the diameter of the steering wheel. Standard steering wheels have a diameter of 300 to 380 mm. The hole under the steering machine shaft should be strictly in the center, unless you make a specific beveled panel. The distance from the edge of the panel to the axis of rotation of the wheel should be at least 150 mm so that the fingers do not touch the metal during sharp turns.
You should also consider a place to install a mobile phone or tablet. Modern fishermen often use smartphones as backup navigation, and a small shelf or bracket with charging capability would be a great addition.
Instructions for installation and sealing
Mounting the finished structure on the boat requires precision and adherence to technology. The first thing you need to do is mark the mounting places. If the boat has a flat transom, the console can be fixed directly. If the sides are rounded (as inflatable PVC boats with a hard transom), you may need to make transition brackets.
The mounting is made of stainless steel bolts of the AISI 304 or AISI 316 brand. Under each bolt cap and nut, wide washers are necessarily installed, which distributes the load and prevents the penetration of thin aluminum.
☑️ Checklist before installation
Sealing is critical, and water that gets inside the panel can short circuit or freeze in the winter, breaking the metal, and all the holes under the wires and cables must be sealed with rubber glands or throughpass insulators.
To dock the panel with the boat hull, use a polyurethane sealant or a special metal adhesive sealant. Silicone is not suitable here, as it will eventually peel off the aluminum under the influence of vibration. Apply a layer of sealant on the back of the panel before the final tightening of the bolts.
⚠️ Attention: Don't pull over the mount bolts. Aluminum is a soft metal, and excessive force can warp the seat or break the thread, especially if threaded bushings are used.
Connecting electrical and appliances
Installing appliances is not just about inserting them into holes, it's about creating a reliable electrical circuit. Vibration and moisture are the main enemies of the electrician on the boat. All connections must be made with soldering or high-quality shrinkage crimping terminals.
Be sure to use it. sea-wiringIt's oil-resistant, gasoline-resistant, ultraviolet-resistant, and normal car wiring will crack quickly and become unusable, and you can put the wires in corrugated hoses or cable channels inside the console.
To control the instrument, install a common mass switch or switchboard on the onboard network, which will turn off the console when the boat is on the side, preventing battery discharge, and it is also recommended to install fuses for each circuit separately.
Use a copper bus inside the console to connect the sub-conductor wires, which will eliminate the tangle of wires and provide reliable "mass" contact for all devices at once.
In editing. gas-rope (gas control cable) make sure that it does not have sharp inflections. The bend radius should not be less than 150 mm. The cable should move freely inside the shell, so after installation, check the stroke of the gas lever several times.
Care and protection against corrosion
Even the most persistent aluminum requires maintenance. After every trip, especially on salt water, the console needs to be rinsed with fresh water. The salt, when dried, forms crystals that can damage the paintwork and start the oxidation process.
Use special waxes or polishes to protect the surface of the aluminium, which create a thin film that repels water and dirt, and if there are traces of oxidation (white plaque) on the surface, remove them with a soft abrasive paste.
Check the electrical contacts regularly. Oxidation of terminals is a common cause of appliance failure. Use preservative sprays for contacts that displace moisture and prevent oxide film formation.
Regular washing with fresh water and treatment with protective wax increase the service life of the aluminum console by 2-3 times, maintaining its presentable appearance.
Remember to check the tightening of the fasteners, the vibration of the engine can gradually weaken even well-twisted bolts, once a season, perform an audit of all connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an aluminum console be painted with ordinary car enamel?
Technically possible, but short-lived. Aluminum requires special surface preparation (etching, non-ferrous metal soil), it is better to use two-component epoxy paints or powder coloring, which provide maximum adhesion and resistance to chips.
What is the minimum size of the console for installing 2 devices?
For the installation of two standard instruments (85 mm in diameter) and a steering wheel, the minimum width of the working panel should be about 400-450 mm, which will ensure sufficient distance between the instruments for readability and ease of control.
Do I need to ground an aluminum console?
Yes, if the boat has a vagus current protection system, or if the console is connected to the metal body of the boat, which is in contact with water, this will help to avoid electrochemical corrosion, especially when using external batteries.
How to protect screens from glare in the sun?
Use visors, which are often bundled with modern consoles, or install an additional top panel with a tilt, and there are special anti-reflective films for sonar and navigator screens.
How Much Does a Standard Aluminum Console Weigh?
The weight depends on the size and thickness of the metal. A compact panel weighs about 3-5 kg. A full-fledged corner console with sidewalls and windbreaker can weigh from 8 to 15 kg. This is important to consider when calculating the total load capacity of the boat.